Muscle weakness in the legs can range from mild generalized fatigue to complete paralysis. Muscle weakness in legs can also be unilateral (i.e. affecting only one leg) or bilateral (i.e. affecting both legs). There are a host of causes that contribute to muscle weakness of the legs, especially indicative of central nervous system disorders. This article provides insight into how simple exercises can help strengthen the leg muscles at home.
There are a host of factors that can contribute to weakness in the muscles of the legs. The condition often tends to determine the severity of muscle weakness in the legs.
Here are some common conditions that are associated to contribute to muscle weakness in legs,
- Muscle strength may often be loss due to inactivity. Prolonged inactivity of the muscles can contribute to muscle weakness in the legs.
- Pinched nerve or spinal compression of a nerve can also contribute to muscle weakness.
- Neuromuscular diseases including multiple sclerosis can also contribute to muscle weakness.
- Certain medications are also known to contribute towards muscle weakness.
- Nutritional deficiencies and lack of adequate diet can also contribute towards muscle weakness in the legs.
While the severity of the condition may vary from mild to severe, and may be associated with complete loss of muscle tone, there are a host of other symptoms which may also be experienced.
- Muscle weakness is often accompanied with loss of sensation of touch or pain in the lower extremities.
- Muscle weakness may be sudden and rapid or may be slow and gradual in its onset.
- Muscle weakness in the legs may occasionally be associated with loss of bladder and rectal control, which is often observed in cases of severe nerve damage in the lower extremities.
If not treated promptly, the condition can lead to progressive nerve and muscle damage in the lower extremities.
Exercises To Strengthen Weak Leg Muscles
Here are some simple exercises that can help strengthen leg muscles at home. Some of these simple exercises include,
- Stand behind a chair and place your feet slightly apart from one another. Hold the back of the chair and take a deep breath. Lift one leg to the side and hold it for a couple of seconds, then slowly lower the leg. Ensure that you keep your spine upright. Repeat this with the other leg. Complete 10 sets of this exercise. This exercise will help strengthen your buttocks, hips and thighs.
- Sit in a chair with your back against the back rest. Take a deep breath. Now slowly extend one leg in front and try to keep it as straight as possible. Flex the foot in such a way that the toes point towards the ceiling. Hold this position for a second or two. Now exhale and gradually relax the foot and return the leg to its original position. Repeat this exercise with the other leg. This exercise helps strengthen the thighs, calf muscles and also helps relieve knee arthritis pain.
